38. Releases and Referrals

Question 1

Who Can Sign a Release:

Answer 1

The client has to sign a release of authorization to obtain or release any information

Question 2

What to Share:

Answer 2

With a client’s consent to release, a SW must specify what is to be talked about (such as behaviors in classroom only) and a client should then decide what they want to be released

If client does not want to release particular details, a SW can reassure client that information will not get released

Question 3

When to Refer Out:

Answer 3

Refer clients in special circumstances such as referring to specialist, has medical issues, not making progress with a client (after making adjustments to plan and re-visiting goals), not within a SW’s scope of practice, or needs to see a psychiatrist

Question 4

Accepting Referrals:

Answer 4

A SW cannot take any forms of payment for taking or receiving referrals

Get a release from the referring person to talk to them about any information relevant to treatment